QUESTION
I've got a quick question about reinstalling the Lotus Europa steering rack.
I got it all back in the car and bolted up, but I've managed to get the steering wheel off centre by about 80 degrees.
Before I put the rack in the car I measured the distance between each tie rod end and the flanges on the rack tube, and adjusted the rack so that those measurements were the same on each side.
I thought this would indicate that the rack was centred.
I then centred the steering wheel before connecting the uni joint.
All of which I thought would get the steering wheel within a few mm of centre.
Obviously I got something wrong, so I was wondering if there is any way of correcting it without removing the rack?
I assume that taking the wheel off won't help, since the indicator return mechanism will still be out of whack.
If I do have to take the rack off again, is there a better way of ensuring everything is centred when I reinstall it, or do I just need to be more careful with my measurements?
T.B. - Melbourne
ANSWER
For the purpose of this exercise it is easier if the Lotus Europa is raised at the front and placed on axle stands.
Open the drivers door window, then turn the steering wheel to full right lock.
Then turn the steering wheel to full left lock (counting the number of turns as you do so)
If for example there is 3.2 turns from lock to lock, then the straight ahead position will be at the half-way point (1.6 turns from either full lock position)
Now, turn the steering wheel to the steering rack to the half way point (straight ahead position)
Unfasten the steering column lower universal-joint and disconnect from the steering rack from the column.
Turn the steering wheel to the correct straight ahead position, then reconnect lower universal-joint.
NOTE - It is essential to establish the straight ahead position BEFORE making any necessary adjustments at the tie-rods.
Adjust the steering rack tie-rods so the front wheels are parallel or have slight toe-in.
This can be achieved with two people and with a tape, measuring underneath the vehicle to the lower part of the tyres.
Measurements should be made to the lower part of the tread pattern ahead and behind the axle utilising the same pattern groove as a reference.
At this point, nip up the tie rod lock nuts and seek a professional wheel alignment on an optical bench.
Copyright © 2016 Lotus Marques
I've got a quick question about reinstalling the Lotus Europa steering rack.
I got it all back in the car and bolted up, but I've managed to get the steering wheel off centre by about 80 degrees.
Before I put the rack in the car I measured the distance between each tie rod end and the flanges on the rack tube, and adjusted the rack so that those measurements were the same on each side.
I thought this would indicate that the rack was centred.
I then centred the steering wheel before connecting the uni joint.
All of which I thought would get the steering wheel within a few mm of centre.
Obviously I got something wrong, so I was wondering if there is any way of correcting it without removing the rack?
I assume that taking the wheel off won't help, since the indicator return mechanism will still be out of whack.
If I do have to take the rack off again, is there a better way of ensuring everything is centred when I reinstall it, or do I just need to be more careful with my measurements?
T.B. - Melbourne
ANSWER
For the purpose of this exercise it is easier if the Lotus Europa is raised at the front and placed on axle stands.
Open the drivers door window, then turn the steering wheel to full right lock.
Then turn the steering wheel to full left lock (counting the number of turns as you do so)
If for example there is 3.2 turns from lock to lock, then the straight ahead position will be at the half-way point (1.6 turns from either full lock position)
Now, turn the steering wheel to the steering rack to the half way point (straight ahead position)
Unfasten the steering column lower universal-joint and disconnect from the steering rack from the column.
Turn the steering wheel to the correct straight ahead position, then reconnect lower universal-joint.
NOTE - It is essential to establish the straight ahead position BEFORE making any necessary adjustments at the tie-rods.
Adjust the steering rack tie-rods so the front wheels are parallel or have slight toe-in.
This can be achieved with two people and with a tape, measuring underneath the vehicle to the lower part of the tyres.
Measurements should be made to the lower part of the tread pattern ahead and behind the axle utilising the same pattern groove as a reference.
At this point, nip up the tie rod lock nuts and seek a professional wheel alignment on an optical bench.
Copyright © 2016 Lotus Marques